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Analysis: John Wall is just hours away from being the No. 1 pick. He appears to be the only "sure thing" in the draft right now. Blessed with amazing athleticism and the ability to make clutch plays, Wall has the tools to be a superstar.

The task for the Wizards now turns to filling in the spaces around him -- getting a healthy and focused Gilbert Arenas, looking for bargains or perhaps Rudy Gay in free agency, and figuring out how to turn the Wizards into a powerhouse franchise. Adding Wall is a big, big step in the right direction, but only one of many the Wizards are going to have to take.

Analysis: All the talk that the Sixers were considering going big is now fading. After they worked out Derrick Favors and DeMarcus Cousins on June 18, coach Doug Collins, who was very high on Favors before the workout, fell out of love. Collins was concerned about Favors' raw skills and wasn't impressed during the interviews.

So at this point, I think you can use a Sharpie on Turner at No. 2. Unless another team makes a last-minute offer that includes taking Elton Brand's contract off the books in Philly, Turner will be a Sixer.

Analysis: After Favors' so-so workout on Monday, the Nets began to move toward Syracuse forward Wes Johnson. But a league source told me on Wednesday night that after 24 hours of debate, it looks like Favors has re-emerged as the favorite to go No. 3.

The news squashes the prevailing theory around the league that drafting Johnson would be a precursor to the Nets' signing free-agent forward Carlos Boozer this summer. Both Johnson and Boozer are represented by the same agent, Rob Pelinka.

The source stressed that the decision wasn't a final one and that the Nets were also exploring potential trade options with the No. 3 pick. But if the draft had been held on Wednesday night, Favors would have been the pick.

Analysis: So we're back to Wes Johnson at No. 4, and I'm not sure if Minnesota will greet the news with joy or relief. It focused on Johnson early but got comfortable with the idea of taking Favors at No. 4 in the past 24 hours.

The Wolves continue to look for an Al Jefferson deal (despite GM David Kahn's denials) after being rebuffed by Detroit over the weekend (the Wolves offered Jefferson for Tayshaun Prince and the No. 7 pick) and by the Grizzlies (for Zach Randolph) on Wednesday.

Analysis: The Kings, as we've been reporting all week, are still leaning toward taking DeMarcus Cousins at No. 5 if both Favors and Wes Johnson are off the board.

A team source disputes a report that the Kings have made up their mind, but as we told you Wednesday night, the consensus remains with Cousins. He is the most NBA-ready big man in the draft, and like Tyreke Evans, should be able to come in and make an immediate impact in Sacramento.

You either love or hate Cousins, but there's no denying that he's an incredibly gifted scorer and rebounder. Still, he clearly rubs a lot of guys the wrong way. If he matures and lives up to his potential, he's a huge steal at No. 5. And even if he causes a commotion, his talent may still be worth the trouble.

Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

If the Warriors keep the pick, they're deciding between Greg Monroe and Ekpe Udoh. My source continues to support what I first reported Tuesday night, that Udoh has the edge. How he fits alongside two other athletic, shot-blocking big men -- Anthony Randolph and Brandan Wright -- is a bit of a mystery. But then again, we're talking about the Warriors.

Analysis: The Pistons have been exploring a number of deals, but at this point they seem content to stay at No. 7. Of course, they would love to land DeMarcus Cousins, but the price has been ridiculously high to move up two or three spots.

While the team is high on Greg Monroe, Ed Davis and Ekpe Udoh, Detroit is still leaning toward Monroe here if he's on the board. He is the only true center of the group, and while he lacks elite athleticism, he is a skilled passer and has a high basketball IQ. He should be able to step in and contribute right away.

Analysis: The Clippers, according to our own Chris Broussard, have been talking to the Bulls about swapping the No. 8 pick for No. 17 and Luol Deng. That's probably an admission that they're not so high on the rest of the guys left on the board.

Of the upside guys left on the board, I think they're highest on Aminu. He's a long, athletic forward who can play both the 3 and the 4.

Analysis: I continue to get mixed signals out of Utah. On one hand, with Carlos Boozer likely leaving, they need a big man, and Davis is the best big guy left on the board. He's the type of long, athletic forward the Jazz have needed for a while. The problem is that Davis is pretty raw and probably not ready to contribute right away. GM Kevin O'Connor tends to not care about that -- he likes to take the best talent available, so it's probably not a big deal.

On the other hand, the team also has a need on the wing, and the Jazz like Luke Babbitt, Gordon Hayward and Xavier Henry. Of the three, I believe Babbitt has the lead.

It sounds like Davis has the slight edge here, but if one of those three wings went No. 9, I wouldn't be shocked, either.

Analysis: This is where the draft really begins to break apart. The Pacers have been high on Greg Monroe, Ekpe Udoh and Ed Davis, but none of them are on the board here. That leaves them with a bunch of swingmen -- a position Indiana doesn't really need to fill.

Indy has been burning up the phone lines trying to find a point guard, but if the Pacers can't make a deal, they'll likely be choosing between Hayward, Paul George and Xavier Henry.

George has the most upside, but he's also the likeliest bust among those three. Henry is probably the safest pick of the three, but he also is the most one-dimensional and probably duplicates Brandon Rush. That leaves Hayward, the hometown boy. He's a mix of Henry and George. He doesn't have the upside of George, but he does have a higher ceiling than Henry.

Analysis: The Hornets appear to be locked in on a couple of prospects here. They like Patterson, Xavier Henry, Cole Aldrich and Hayward.

With the exception of Hayward, all three are pretty safe picks. Henry would give them shooting. Aldrich would fill a hole in the middle. Patterson would give them some much-needed depth at the 4 and would be able to contribute right away.

Analysis: It's tough to know which way the Grizzlies are leaning. During the past few weeks, the three names that have generated the most buzz have been George, Babbitt and Patterson.

After the Grizzlies made a huge reach for Hasheem Thabeet at No. 2 last year, you'd think they would go conservative and take either Babbitt or Patterson. Although neither player has enormous upside, both are NBA-ready and can provide instant offense.

However, as the process moves on, it appears that George remains ahead of Patterson, Babbitt and a late dark horse, Damion James. Although George is clearly the biggest risk of the group, he's also the player with the most upside. If he develops his many talents, he could be a superstar.

Analysis: The Raptors are talking to a number of teams about trading the pick. As of late Wednesday, a potential deal of Rudy Fernandez and No. 22 for the 13th pick wasn't making much progress. The team is also talking to Oklahoma City, which now has three first-round picks and is looking to move up.

The Raptors have been high on Patrick Patterson and Avery Bradley, but the word out of Toronto late Tuesday had them looking at Eric Bledsoe and Cole Aldrich. Between the two, I'm hearing Bledsoe may be the choice.

Analysis: The Rockets are another team that has tried to move up a few spots in the draft. At No. 14, it looks as though virtually every player they covet will be off the board. If they can't move up, that should put them in the mode of taking the best player available.

That would be Aldrich, a big man with the ability to block shots and rebound. He also has a decent face-the-basket game. With Yao Ming's long-term status really up in the air, Aldrich would give the Rockets a backup big who should be able to step in and play right away.

Analysis: The Bucks addressed some of their needs at the wing position this week by trading for Corey Maggette and Chris Douglas-Roberts. But sources in Milwaukee say the addition of both players won't affect their draft strategy. Of the players left on the board, Henry looks to be the best value by far. He can play either the 2 or 3 and can shoot the lights out.

Another player to watch here is VCU's Larry Sanders. If the Bucks go big, I'm hearing he's the guy.

Analysis: The Wolves have been actively trying to package Nos. 16 and 23 to move up a few spots in the draft to get their hands on George. But if George is gone, there aren't a lot of prospects they're in love with here.

I think the Wolves would be more aggressive in trying to trade at this point. If they keep the pick, they might go ahead and take Babbitt. He doesn't have the upside of some of the other wing guys like George or Hayward but was one of the best scorers in college basketball last season. He would give the Wolves more shooting on the perimeter from the 3 position, though he does play the same position as Wes Johnson (see No. 4, above).

Analysis: I've been hearing a lot of different names attached to the Bulls. James Anderson, Avery Bradley and Dominique Jones are the most prominent. But the latest intel Wednesday night had the Bulls leaning toward James. With the team actively shopping Luol Deng, they'll want a tough forward who can recreate the role Andres Nocioni played for them a few years ago.

Analysis: The Thunder acquired this pick from the Heat in a deal that also netted Daequan Cook but cost them the No. 32 pick in the draft. They are working hard to move up in the draft, trying to package 18, 21 and 26. Their target, I'm told, is Gordon Hayward.

If they stay at No. 18, the Thunder are hoping Eric Bledsoe slips here. But if he doesn't, they will have a tough call to make here between Alabi, Larry Sanders, Daniel Orton and Kevin Seraphin. The Thunder have been high on Orton all year, but a so-so workout in OKC along with concerns about his knees have given them and everyone else in the league pause.

The Thunder, meanwhile, have been high on Alabi for a while. He may seem like a bit of a reach to some, but he appears to be one of the hotter names in the draft at the moment. The Raptors, Celtics, Spurs, Thunder, Heat and Blazers are all showing interest. Those are all teams with historically good draft track records, so watch carefully.

Alabi measured as one of the tallest and longest players in the draft, and he showed a nice skill game and a terrific motor in drills. Some scouts are comparing him to Dikembe Mutombo. I don't think Alabi has the same sort of rebounding and shot-blocking ability, but he does have a similar demeanor and presence on the court.

Analysis: Danny Ainge has been shopping this pick, but if he stays here, Damion James, Eric Bledsoe, Solomon Alabi and Avery Bradley appear to be the front-runners. James, Bledsoe and Alabi are all off the board, leaving Bradley. The super-quick combo guard could spell Rajon Rondo at times, and would give them another dynamic scoring option in the backcourt. More importantly to Ainge, he's the best talent left on the board.

Analysis: The Spurs need size, and this pick likely will come down to either Brackins or Alabi. Although Alabi has the size and upside, with Tiago Splitter possibly coming to San Antonio this fall, the Spurs may be set at the 5.

Brackins' ability to spread the floor and play inside and outside is coveted in San Antonio. A number of GMs have told me he could end up being the sleeper of the draft. I'm also hearing tht Jordan Crawford and Devin Ebanks are getting serious consideration here.

Analysis: The Blazers have been very active trying to move up, but if they stay at 22, there will be a couple of guys here they like. At the top of that list are Orton and Elliot Williams. The Blazers have worked out both players and think that, at this point in the draft, they both could be steals.

Although Orton is in the discussion starting at the 10th pick, concerns about his knees and his relative lack of playing time in the past two seasons are weighing on teams. He easily could end up going earlier to Oklahoma City, but if he's on the board here, I think the Blazers can't pass him up.

If Orton is off the board, look for them to go with Williams. The Blazers know way more about Williams' situation than they are letting on.

Analysis: With the Wolves going with wings with their first two picks, look for them to take a swing at a player with huge upside at No. 23. Sanders has a freakishly long wingspan and can really run the floor. He also would give the Wolves something they've been in short supply of: Shot-blocking.

Whiteside and Orton are both possibilities here as well. But it sounds as if the Wolves are a little turned off by the immaturity of both players and might not need a center anyway -- they will pursue Darko Milicic in free agency and sign former second-round pick Nikola Pekovic this summer.

Analysis: The Hawks could go in a lot of directions here. They might end up having to replace free agent Joe Johnson. But at this point in the draft, Whiteside's upside might be too much to pass up.

Whiteside is the best shot-blocker in the draft and, when he's playing well, reminds some of a young Marcus Camby. He's immature and needs a lot of work, but at No. 24, no player left on the board has more upside.

Analysis: Crawford's stock has been slowly rising, and now he's in the mix with the Bulls at 17, the Celtics at 19, the Spurs at 20, the Blazers at 22 and the Wolves at 23. But it looks as though he won't slide past the Grizzlies here. The additions of Crawford and George would give the Grizzlies a ton of punch in their backcourt.

I'm not sure there are enough basketballs in Memphis for all these guys, but you have to like the talent the Griz are acquiring.

Analysis: I highly doubt that the Thunder end up keeping all three first-round picks, but if they do, look for them to stash another European player overseas. Pleiss has great size and he's a physical defender, but he won't come over for a few more years.

Analysis: The Nets are high on both Jordan Crawford and Craig Brackins, but if they are off the board, Anderson could be the man. This is a pretty big slide for Anderson. An injury has held him out of a lot of workouts and his lack of elite athleticism seems to be hurting his stock a bit. But at No. 27, especially with Chris Douglas-Roberts now in Milwaukee, this is a great fit.

Analysis: The Grizzlies likely won't end up with three first-rounders, either. They, too, are talking to several teams about trading one or both of their picks in the 20s. However, if they stay here, I keep hearing that they love Vasquez. Not sure I really see it. He has great floor vision and plays with a passion, but Adam Morrison has better lateral quickness.

Analysis: The Magic haven't worked out many players. Each year they pick a small handful of prospects they like and then grab from there. Of the group they've had in, Crawford and Ebanks are off the board. Of the group left, Hobson and Quincy Pondexter make a lot of sense. Of the two, I think Hobson has a slight edge. His playmaking ability and versatility remind some scouts of Hedo Turkoglu. The Magic missed that this season.

Analysis: Pondexter is coming off a great senior season and is one of the best athletes in the draft. With the Wizards trying to rebuild with young players who can get up and down the floor, he seems like a good bet here.

Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

Keith Gallon | F | Oklahoma
The Nets will consider Gallon with the 27th pick, but if he falls here, he'd be tough to pass. While Gallon needs to lose weight, he's one of the most skilled big men in the draft. If he gets in better condition, he could be a steal here.

32. Miami (via Minnesota)

Elliot Williams | SG | Memphis
The Heat acquired this pick from Oklahoma City as part of the deal that sent the Thunder the 18th pick. The Blazers are hoping Williams slides to them at No. 34, but I'm told Williams is here if he slips. He would be a good pick for Miami. They need help in the backcourt and Williams can play both the 1 and the 2.

33. Sacramento Kings

Ryan Richards | PF | England
The Kings could take a flier on this unproven big man from England. He doesn't know how to play yet, but he has the physical tools to be special. He had a great workout in Sacramento.

34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)

Terrico White | G | Mississippi
The Blazers paid $2 million dollars plus the 44th pick for this pick, so they'd better get something good. The Blazers believe White is the best athlete in the draft and his ability to play both guards intrigues them.

35. Washington Wizards

Gani Lawal | PF | Georgia Tech
The Wizards are thin all along their frontcourt and Lawal, as a three-year player, should be able to step in and get minutes right away. He's not spectacular, but he's a pretty solid pick at this point in the draft.

36. Detroit Pistons

Dexter Pittman | C | Texas
The Pistons need a lot of help in the paint, and Pittman, if he ever got in shape, could make a huge impact in the middle for them. Trevor Booker is another possibility here.

37. Milwaukee Bucks (via Philadelphia)

Lance Stephenson | SG | Cincinnati
The Bucks are considering Stephenson at 15, so if he were to slide here they'd be thrilled. Stephenson is a very good offensive player. It's his questionable attitude that's causing him to slip this far.

38. New York Knicks

Armon Johnson | PG | Nevada
Knicks fans don't have a lot to cheer about, but if Johnson falls this far, they can get a little excited. The Knicks have been trying to move up in the draft to get this explosive, athletic guard. He lacks a great jump shot, but he really knows how to push the basketball.

39. New York Knicks (via Clippers)

Dominique Jones | SG | South Florida
It would be another steal for the Knicks if Jones were to slide this far. He's getting looks as high as 17 and is a terrific scorer who can really get to the rim. The Knicks are in major need of another backcourt scorer.

40. Indiana Pacers

Ben Uzoh | PG | Tulsa
This athletic combo guard is a great athlete, who could provide a spark off the bench for the Pacers at both backcourt positions.

41. Miami Heat (via New Orleans)

Jarvis Varnado | C | Mississippi State
Varnado is the best shot-blocker in the draft, and -- given the huge holes Miami has in the paint thanks to free agency -- he might be able to find some minutes in Miami.

42. Miami Heat (via Toronto)

Devin Ebanks | SF | West Virginia
Ebanks is a Pat Riley type of player. He might not be a special offensive player, but he can guard three positions on the floor.

43. Los Angeles Lakers (via Memphis)

Willie Warren | G | Oklahoma
The Lakers know Derek Fisher can't keep going forever, and it's unclear whether Jordan Farmar is really the point guard of the future. Warren was projected as a potential top-10 pick at the beginning of the season, but injuries, a terrible sophomore season at Oklahoma and questions about his attitude have torpedoed his stock. At 43, the combo guard is a steal.

44. Milwaukee Bucks (via Chicago)

Trevor Booker | PF | Clemson
This pick has already been traded twice. The Bucks got the pick from Golden State via the Corey Maggette trade. Booker is a physical player who reminds me of Jason Maxiell. A great pick for Milwaukee.

45. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Houston)

Miroslav Raduljica | C | Serbia
With three picks in the first round, it's highly unlikely that the Wolves will take another American player here. Raduljica had an excellent season, and you can expect the Wolves to keep him in Europe for a few years to continue developing.

46. Phoenix Suns

Stanley Robinson | SF | UConn
Robinson has struggled in workouts and his stock has dropped from the mid-first round all the way to here. He shouldn't be discouraged. If ever there were a team Robinson could thrive on, it's the Suns.

47. Milwaukee Bucks

Jerome Jordan | C | Tulsa
The Bucks lost Andrew Bogut to injuries this past season and didn't have a lot to replace him in the middle. Jordan is huge and talented. If his motor revved higher, he'd be a first-round pick.

48. Miami Heat

Thomas Heurtel | PG | France
Heurtel won MVP honors at the adidas Eurocamp. He's a good floor leader but not an amazing athlete. The Heat likely would leave him in France to continue to develop.

49. San Antonio Spurs

Alexy Shved | G | Russia
Shved is a skilled Russian combo guard, and the Spurs could stash him in Europe for a while.

50. Dallas Mavericks

Sylven Landesberg | SG | Virginia
Landesberg was productive in his first two years in college. He's a slasher who knows how to get to the basket. At pick No. 50, he's a good value.

51. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Blazers)

Nemanja Bjelica | SF | Serbia
Bjelica is a crafty player who can play a little point forward. He's not a great athlete, but at this point in the draft, the Thunder don't need any more American players.

52. Boston Celtics

Manny Harris | SG | Michigan
Harris is a high-scoring combo guard who, based on talent, is probably a first-round pick. With the Celtics needing help in the backcourt next season, Harris has the capability to fill in at both positions.

53. Atlanta Hawks

Lazar Hayward | F | Marquette
He's a gritty, athletic small forward who has a productive career at Marquette. Could be a solid rotation player.

54. Los Angeles Clippers (via Denver)

Sherron Collins | PG | Kansas
Collins has struggled in workouts because of his weight, but he recently weighed in at 219. He might be the perfect guy to come in and help the Clippers' other conditioning-challenged point guard, Baron Davis.

55. Utah Jazz

Jon Scheyer | SG | Duke
Before you start cracking jokes about Scheyer, don't overlook the fact that he'd be a terrific fit in Utah. He can play both guard positions and can shoot the lights out. I've heard him be compared to Jeff Hornacek, and it's not a bad comparison.

56. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Phoenix)

Artem Zabelin | C | Russia
The Wolves have a total of five picks and certainly aren't keeping them all for this year. Zabelin is thin, but very skilled. He's a long-term project who could pay off down the road.

57. Indiana Pacers (via Dallas)

Andy Rautins | SG | Syracuse
Jim O'Brien loves shooters, and Rautins might be the best shooter in the draft.

58. Los Angeles Lakers

Brian Zoubek | C | Duke
Zoubek didn't have a huge career at Duke, but he was a terrific rebounder and could give the Lakers some size and toughness in the middle.

59. Orlando Magic

Mikhail Torrance | PG | Alabama
The athletic combo guard starred at the Portsmouth Invitational, but some concerns about his physical might cause him to slide.

60. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland)

Luke Harangody | F | Notre Dame
Harangody might not be the most athletic guy in the world, but he was super productive in college. The next Jared Dudley?

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Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

I remember Ford having us taking Willie Warren when the Mock Draft stuff came out from ESPN. If you would have told me then that he would have us taking Gordon Hayward ON THE DAY OF THE DRAFT I would have straight up laughed at you. The draft is just crazy.

Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

Warriors blurb

Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

It's a salary dump, and if we could do that, I'd be thrilled. I don't know if our team would give up on our contracts for a combo guard- it doesn't seem like Larry would be thrilled to do that, but he is certainly a very talented young player that I would love to trade for.

Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

So you get the #6 and Ellis? Hmmmmm.

Yeah I was thinking that same thing, I wonder how bad Ellis's deal is, but if we could get him and the 6, possibly take Monroe and play him at the 4 that might just be a sick team.

Ellis, Rush, Granger, Monroe, Hibbert..... I like that... they may not win a championship right away, but I like the core group of guys and if they could stay around for a while and add in a good bench then I see a real Future with this line up....

Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

About the Warriors and Monta.....that just seems wierd to me. I would easily send the Warriors one of our Expirings + #10 + future protected 1st rounder to get Monta+6.

Yeah compared to the other deals that's pretty nice. A good player will fall there too. That'd be 2 "core" pieces you add for expirings/10. That'd be fantastic. We've dealt with them before, and I haven't heard any rumblings of us being involved...so that makes it more likely.

Only problem is, he's not really a true PG, but hell he's better than what we have by a long shot. I'd be happy with this deal.

Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

So you get the #6 and Ellis? Hmmmmm.

I keep hearing Memphis is in hot pursuit on Ellis today with this being tossed around.

Zach Randolph
#12
#25 or #28

for

Monta Eliis
#6

The other version I keep hearing is the same deal just with O.J. Mayo and Hasheem Thabeet as the Memphis departing players, with GSW looking to sell the late pick they get in return.